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Skeletal muscle is a highly specialized tissue composed of myofibres that performs crucial functions in movement and metabolism. In response to external stimuli and injuries, a range of stem/progenitor cells, with muscle stem cells or satellite cells (MuSCs) being the predominant cell type, are rapidly activated to repair and regenerate skeletal muscle within weeks. Under normal conditions, MuSCs remain in a quiescent state, but become proliferative and differentiate into new myofibres in response to injury. In addition to MuSCs, some interstitial progenitor cells (IPCs) such as fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), pericytes, interstitial stem cells expressing PW1 and negative for Pax7 (PICs), muscle side population cells (SPCs), CD133-positive cells and Twist2-positive cells have been identified as playing direct or indirect roles in regenerating muscle tissue. Here, we highlight the heterogeneity, molecular markers, and functional properties of these interstitial progenitor cells, and explore the role of muscle stem/progenitor cells in skeletal muscle homeostasis, aging, and muscle-related diseases. This review provides critical insights for future stem cell therapies aimed at treating muscle-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work involved ultrasound-promoted KI-Oxone mediated oxidative C–N bond formation from a reaction of β-ketoester and 2-aminopyridines leading to novel functional imidazo[1,2-a]pridine-3-carboxylates (IPCs). The α-halogenation of β-ketoester has been easily carried out by in situ formed I+ OH− species from the KI-Oxone system. IR, NMR, and Mass spectra characterized all derivatives. The structure of the synthesized IPCs was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. A transition metal-free protocol, one-pot synthesis, non-toxic reagents, benign reaction conditions, high yield, short reaction time, and the synthesis of highly functional IPCs are the remarkable features of the present method. The synthesized IPCs show unusual anti-tubercular activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corner detection plays an important role in the area of image processing and computer vision. The current corner detection methods often utilize few cues or single model to improve the detection correctness and repeatability. A composite model of both intensity, pattern, curvature, and scale is proposed as a possible solution to these problems. Firstly, a corner measure function that reflects both the intensity, pattern, and curvature difference is formulated based on the 8-neighbor pixel blocks. Secondly, some scale-based global scale importance factors are formulated based on the contour distribution and corner distribution. Thirdly, based on the corner measure and the importance factors, a high-performance corner detector (IPCS) is derived. The experiments based on both the ground truth and the standard image set are conducted to evaluate the correctness and repeatability of the proposed detector. The experiment results come up with that the proposed detector has remarkable performance advantages among the comprising state-of-the-art detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a chronic disease characterized by an autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-pancreatic cells. Although many advances have been achieved in T1D treatment, current therapy strategies are often unable to maintain perfect control of glycemic levels. Several studies are searching for new and improved methodologies for expansion of β-cell cultures in vitro to increase the supply of these cells for pancreatic islets replacement therapy. A promising approach consists of differentiation of stem cells into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in sufficient number and functional status to be transplanted. Differentiation protocols have been designed using consecutive cytokines or signaling modulator treatments, at specific dosages, to activate or inhibit the main signaling pathways that control the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into pancreatic β-cells. Here, we provide an overview of the current approaches and achievements in obtaining stem cell-derived β-cells and the numerous challenges, which still need to be overcome to achieve this goal. Clinical translation of stem cells-derived β-cells for efficient maintenance of long-term euglycemia remains a major issue. Therefore, research efforts have been directed to the final steps of in vitro differentiation, aiming at production of functional and mature β-cells and integration of interdisciplinary fields to generate efficient cell therapy strategies capable of reversing the clinical outcome of T1D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents experimental results of the work conducted to improve the adhesion between alumina ceramics and urea-urethane elastomer in the interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs), in which these two phases are interpenetrating three-dimensionally and topologically throughout the microstructure. Measurements of the contact angle, surface roughness, and shear tests were used to evaluate the effectivity and select the quantity of a silane coupling agent and the ceramic fabrication method. The tests were conducted using samples of dense alumina ceramic obtained by three- or four-step methods. In the four-step process, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) was applied additionally. As a result of the coupling agent coat and HIP application, the ceramic substrate wettability by the elastomer was improved. The water contact angle was reduced from 80 to 60%. In the next step, porous ceramic preforms were fabricated using HIP sintering and a solution of silane coupling agent treated their surface. The composites were produced using vacuum-pressure infiltration of porous alumina ceramics by urea-urethane elastomer in liquid form. The influence of the coupling agent application on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was estimated. The microstructure of the composites was identified using SEM microscopy and X-ray tomography. As a result of using the coupling agent, residual porosity decreased from 7 to 2%, and compressive strength, as well as stress at a plateau, increased by more than 20%, from 25 to 33 MPa and from 15 to 24 MPa, respectively, for the composites fabricated by infiltration ceramic preforms with 40% of porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner cyberstalking is associated with significant psychosocial, economic, and legal costs for both victims and perpetrators. However, despite these significant negative outcomes, there is a paucity in instruments designed to measure this behavior. Further, many of the measures lack validation and psychometric exploration. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Intimate Partner Cyberstalking Scale (IPCS; Smoker & March, 2017). For this purpose, 595 adults of both genders (32% male; Mage = 30.08) were recruited in Argentina. Participants completed the IPCS-scale, a measure of internet trolling behavior, Dark Triad Personality scale, questions regarding use of new technologies, and demographic items. Both exploratory factor and confirmatory analyses yielded an adequate two-factor structure of the IPCS - scale (a dimension of indirect-direct cyberstalking and a dimension of indirect behaviors) with adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas were .85 and 89, respectively). McDonald's consistency and composite reliability were satisfactory as well. Concurrent validity was established with measures of trolling and the use of new technologies. Also, it was detected that these variables, along with gender and dark personality, were predictors of cyberstalking. Overall, results of the current project indicate the IPCS-scale is a valid and reliable measure of assessing both direct and indirect intimate partner cyberstalking behavior in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an efficient and accurate immersed boundary (IB) finite element (FE) method for internal flow problems with complex geometries (e.g. blood flow in the vascular system). In this study, we use a voxelized flow domain (discretized with hexahedral and tetrahedral elements) instead of a box domain, which is frequently used in IB methods. We highlight the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method in generating the flow domain mesh and removing unnecessary portions of the domain, compared to the standard IB methods that rely on a full Cartesian mesh. Our approach is attractive for internal flow problems that use IB methods. The proposed method accurately satisfies the boundary conditions on the immersed object using velocity and pressure correction procedures. The velocity correction applies implicitly such that the velocity on the immersed boundary (Lagrangian points) interpolated from the corrected velocity values computed on the mesh nodes (Eulerian nodes) accurately satisfies the prescribed velocity boundary conditions. The proposed method utilizes the well-established incremental pressure correction scheme (IPCS) FE solver, and the boundary condition-enforced IB (BCE-IB) method to numerically solve the transient, incompressible Navier-Stokes (NS) flow equations. We verify the accuracy of our numerical method using the analytical solution for the Poiseuille flow in a cylinder, and the available experimental data (laser Doppler velocimetry) for the flow in a three-dimensional 90° angle tube bend. We further examine the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method by considering flow within complex geometries, such as blood flow in aneurysmal vessels and the aorta, flow configurations that would otherwise be difficult to solve by most IB methods. Our method offers high accuracy, as demonstrated by the verification examples, and high applicability, as demonstrated through the solution of blood flow within complex geometry. The proposed method is efficient, since it is as fast as the traditional finite element method used to solve the Navier–Stokes flow equations, with a small overhead (not more than 5%) due to the numerical solution of a linear system formulated for the IB method. • A sophisticated immersed boundary method for internal flows using finite element and incremental pressure correction method. • Efficient in generating the flow domain mesh. • Efficient and accurate scheme using hexahedral or tetrahedral elements to discretize the flow domain. • A semi-implicit scheme with large time steps. • Accurate and robust in computing the flow field in complex geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential trend of regenerative treatment for type I diabetes has been introduced for more than a decade. However, the technologies regarding insulin-producing cell (IPC) production and transplantation are still being developed. Here, we propose the potential IPC production protocol employing mouse gingival fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (mGF-iPSCs) as a resource and the pre-clinical approved subcutaneous IPC transplantation platform for further clinical confirmation study. With a multi-step induction protocol, the functional and matured IPCs were generated by 13 days with a long-term survival capability. Further double encapsulation of mGF-iPSC-derived IPCs (mGF-iPSC-IPCs) could preserve the insulin secretion capacity and the transplantation potential of the generated IPCs. To address the potential on IPC transplantation, a 2-step subcutaneous transplantation procedure was established, comprising 1) vascularized subcutaneous pocket formation and 2) encapsulated IPC bead transplantation. The in vivo testing confirmed the safety and efficiency of the platform along with less inflammatory response which may help minimize tissue reaction and graft rejection. Further preliminary in vivo testing on subcutaneous IPC-bead transplantation in an induced type I diabetic mouse model showed beneficial trends on blood glucose control and survival rate sustainability of diabetic mice. Taken together, an established mGF-iPSC-IPC generation protocol in this study will be the potential backbone for developing the iPSC-derived IPC production employing human and animal cell resources. As well as the potential further development of IPC transplantation platform for diabetes treatment in human and veterinary practices using an established subcutaneous encapsulated IPC-bead transplantation platform presented in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractLightweight, energy-absorbing materials with superior mechanical properties are vital for engineering. Interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) of Al2O3 ceramic and epoxy resin exhibit enhanced performance via non-homogeneous lattice design. Compression tests showed over 60% strength improvement compared to single-phase materials, while bending tests highlighted greater load capacity. Non-homogeneous structures demonstrated superior energy absorption and load-bearing abilities. Epoxy resin enhanced toughness under compression but not bending. A bulletproof model validated the practical potential of IPCs, emphasizing their engineering applicability in optimizing material properties through tailored lattice designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor growth and progression involve coordinated regulation by internal, microenvironmental, and systemic signals and often display conspicuous sexual dimorphism. The mechanisms governing the integration and coordination of these signals, along with their sex-based differences, remain largely unknown. Using a Drosophila tumor model originating from nonreproductive tissue, we show that female-biased tumor growth involves multifaceted communications among tumor cells, hemocytes, and neuroendocrine insulin-producing cells (IPCs). Notch-active tumor cells recruit hemocytes carrying the tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) homolog Eiger to the tumor microenvironment (TME), activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in tumor cells, instigating the sexually dimorphic up-regulation of cytokine Unpaired 2 (Upd2). Upd2, in turn, exerts a distal influence by modulating the release of a Drosophila insulin-like peptide (Dilp2) from IPCs. Dilp2 then activates the insulin signaling in the tumor, thereby fostering sexual-dimorphic tumor growth. Together, these findings reveal a relay mechanism involving the TME and systemic signals that collectively control the sexual dimorphism of tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cells differentiation into insulin-producing cells (IPCs): recent advances and current challenges. Correction to: Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2022) 13:309 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-... On page 8 of the original article [[1]], in the sentence: "... differentiation of iPSCs in pancreatic -cells, namely Wnt; Nodal/Activin A; BMPs; FGF; EGF (epidermal growth factor); Hedgehog; retinoid; and Notch (Fig. [Extracted from the article]

Multifunctional ionic plastic crystals (IPCs) are a class of unique materials that exhibit a wide range of advanced applications. In this work, we proposed a strategy for the design of multifunctional, superior ion‐conducting IPCs with bistability in both magnetic and electric properties, moreover, we successfully prepared and thoroughly characterized such an IPC, [PMPyr][Ni(mnt)2] (1; PMPyr+=N‐propyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium, and mnt2−=maleonitriledithiolate). Plastic crystal 1 exhibits superior ion conduction near room temperature, and its ion conductivity reaches the order of 10−2 S cm−1 at 373 K. Remarkably, the crystal‐to‐plastic crystal transformation results in 1 simultaneously exhibiting electrical bistability and magnetic transition. Our study paves the way for the development of new IPCs with desirable functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about patient outcomes following treatment of malignant pleural effusions (MPE) in the real-world setting. Research question: We aimed to compare post-procedure all-cause mortality between individuals who received indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) insertion versus chemical pleurodesis for managing MPEs. Study design and methods: We performed a retrospective population-based study using provincial health administrative data (Ontario, Canada) of adults with a MPE who underwent IPC insertion or chemical pleurodesis between 2015 and 2019. Individuals were followed until death or March 31, 2021. Difference in post-procedure mortality was calculated using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to balance potential confounders at baseline. Results: We identified 4,790 (77.3%) individuals who received an IPC and 1,407 (22.7%) who had chemical pleurodesis for MPE. IPC insertions are increasing and chemical pleurodesis procedures are decreasing. The majority of IPCs were inserted in outpatients (61%), by pulmonologists (64.2%) and at sites with higher annual IPC volume, while chemical pleurodesis procedures were generally done by thoracic surgeons (74%) and at sites with higher annual pleurodesis volumes. In unadjusted comparison median time from initial cancer diagnosis to intervention was significantly longer in the IPC group (244 days, interquartile range [IQR]:33–903) compared to pleurodesis group (81 days, IQR:10–737; p < 0.0001). Unadjusted median time from index procedure to death was significantly longer in the pleurodesis group (165[IQR:48–457] days vs. 81[IQR:29–256] days, p < 0.0001), however the difference between groups became insignificant after the IPTW was applied (HR 1.27, 95%CI 0.95–1.69). 35% of IPCs were removed prior to death or end of follow-up. Interpretation: After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics there was no difference in post-procedure mortality between IPC and chemical pleurodesis groups. In the real world, there are significant differences in the characteristics of patients who receive these two procedures and notable regional practice variation between procedure use. Future research should evaluate these variations in care and their effect on patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Islet transplantation is a recommended treatment for type 1 diabetes but is limited by donor organ shortage. This study introduces an innovative approach for improving the differentiation and functionality of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from iPSCs using 3D spheroid formation and hydrogel matrix as an alternative pancreatic islet source. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for pancreatic islet functionality, but finding the ideal matrix for β-cell differentiation has been challenging. We aimed to advance IPC differentiation and maturation through an esterified collagen hydrogel, comparing its effectiveness with conventional basement membrane extract (BME) hydrogels. Methods: iPSCs were differentiated into IPCs using a small molecule-based sequential protocol, followed by spheroid formation in concave microwells. Rheological analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and proteomic profiling were used to characterize the chemical and physical properties of each matrix. IPCs, both in single-cell form and as spheroids, were embedded in either ionized collagen or BME hydrogels, which was followed by assessments of morphological changes, pancreatic islet-related gene expression, insulin secretion, and pathway activation using comprehensive analytical techniques. Results: Esterified collagen hydrogels markedly improved the structural integrity, insulin expression, and cell-cell interactions in IPC spheroids, forming densely packed insulin-expressing clusters, in contrast to the dispersed cells observed in BME cultures. Collagen hydrogel significantly enhanced the mRNA expression of crucial endocrine markers and maturation factors, with IPC spheroids showing accelerated differentiation from day 5, suggesting a faster differentiation compared to single cells in hydrogel encapsulation. Insulin secretion in response to glucose in collagen environments, with a GSIS index of 2.46 ± 0.05, exceeded those in 2D and BME, demonstrating superior pancreatic islet functionality. Pathway analysis highlighted enhanced insulin secretion capabilities, evidenced by the upregulation of genes like Secretogranin III and Chromogranin A in collagen cultures. In vivo transplantation results showed that collagen hydrogel enhanced cluster integrity, tissue integration, and insulin secretion compared to non-embedded IPCs and BME groups. Conclusion: Esterified collagen hydrogels demonstrated superior efficacy over 2D and BME in promoting IPC differentiation and maturation, possibly through upregulation of the expression of key secretion pathway genes. Our findings suggest that using collagen hydrogels presents a promising approach to enhance insulin secretion efficiency in differentiating pancreatic β-cells, advancing cell therapy in diabetes cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the suitable induction protocol to produce highly qualified insulin producing cells (IPCs) from human adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) and evaluate the efficacy of the most functionally IPCs in management of diabetes mellitus (DM) in rats. The ADSCs were isolated and characterized according to the standard guidelines. ADSCs were further induced to be IPCs in vitro using three different protocols. The success of trans-differentiation was assessed in vitro through analysis of pancreatic endocrine genes expression, and insulin release in response to glucose stimulation. Then, the functionalization of the generated IPCs was evaluated in vivo. The in vitro findings revealed that the laminin-coated plates in combination with insulin-transferrin-selenium, B27, N2, and nicotinamide could efficiently up-regulate the expression of pancreatic endocrine genes. The in vivo study indicated effectual homing of the PKH-26-labelled IPCs in the pancreas of treated animals. Moreover, IPCs infusion in diabetic rats induced significant improvement in the metabolic parameters and prompted considerable up-regulation in the expression of the pancreatic related genes. The regenerative effect of infused IPCs was determined through histological examination of pancreatic tissue. Conclusively, the utilization of laminin–coated plates in concomitant with extrinsic factors promoting proliferation and differentiation of ADSCs could efficiently generate functional IPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are unleashing the restrictions imposed by conventional manufacturing, allowing the production of innovative designs tailored to improve properties or performance. AM techniques in ceramic production allow the application of novel designs to ceramic parts, opening new opportunities for combining technologies aiming to obtain architected interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs). In this study, alumina structures with different architectures and Computer Aided Design (CAD) structure porosity oriented unidirectionally or bidirectionally, were fabricated by vat photopolymerization technique, namely Digital Light Processing. Afterwards, these structures were infiltrated with an aluminum alloy through investment casting, thus obtaining aluminum-alumina IPCs. Under compression, the IPCs presented a ductile behavior, conversely to the fragile ceramic counterparts. The IPCs compressive strength and absorbed energy were expressively higher than their ceramic counterparts. Comparing the bidirectional IPCs with the unidirectional ones, a significant increase in compressive strength and absorbed energy was observed, from 36.2% to 42.3% and from 164.8% to 358.1%, respectively, due to the greater amount and interconnection of the metal inside the ceramic structure. This study demonstrates the feasibility of this manufacturing route, combining two distinctive technologies, for the fabrication of metal-ceramic architected IPCs, allowing to tailor their mechanical properties and energy absorption capacity for a given application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) can combine the advantages of each component and have a good application prospect. IPCs were prepared by combining open‐cell aluminum foam (AF) and epoxy resin (EP) in three‐dimensional space in this study. Different contents of silica powder (SP, 80, 100, 120, and 140 wt%) were added to EP to improve the compressive and three‐point bending properties of IPCs. In the bending test, acoustic emission (AE) was applied to track the bending deformation of the samples, and k‐means clustering algorithm was applied to identify the damage modes. The compressive and bending properties of IPCs increased first and then decreased with the increase of SP content, and reached the maximum when the SP content was 100 wt%, with a compressive yield strength of 74.6 MPa and a bending peak load of 1.96 kN. The performance degradation was mainly attributed to the AF/EP debonding due to SP distribution at the interface. The X‐type shear band and EP/AF debonding appeared in compression failures of AF and IPCs, respectively. The AE clustering results showed that under bending load, plastic deformation of matrix (60–200 kHz) and fracture failure (230–340 kHz) modes appeared in AF, while EP/AF debonding (60–120 kHz), EP failure (120–230 kHz) and plastic deformation of foam matrix (230–250 kHz) modes appeared in IPCs. Silica powder was added to improve compressive and bending properties of IPCs. Acoustic emission was used to monitor bending of foam and IPCs firstly. k‐means clustering was used to identify and classify bending damage patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work numerically explores the anisotropy, impact phase wave propagation, buckling resistance, and natural vibration of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) and UHPC-steel interpenetrating phase composite (IPC) with triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs), including sheet and solid gyroid, primitive, diamond, and the Schoen I-graph-wrapped package (I-WP). The experiment is conducted to verify the accuracy of the numerical model in terms of Young's modulus of polylactic acid (PLA)-based TPMS lattices and PLA-cement IPCs with TPMS cores, with the highest percent difference of 15% found for IPCs and 17% found for lattice. The results indicate that UHPC material with sheet gyroid exhibits the least extreme anisotropy in response to the varying orientation among other lattices regardless of the change of solid density, making it the ideal candidate for construction materials. Interestingly, compared to UHPC-based TPMS lattice, IPCs possess a much smaller anisotropy and exhibit almost isotropy regardless the variation of solid density and TPMS topology, offering a free selection of TPMS type to fabricate IPCs without much care of anisotropy. The phase wave velocity and buckling resistance of UHPC- and IPC-based beams with TPMSs nonlinearly decrease with a drop of TPMS solid density, but it is the almost linear pattern for the case of natural vibration frequency. UHPC material and IPC with sheet gyroid lattice are found to possess the lowest phase wave velocity and exhibit the least anisotropy of wave propagation, showing it as an ideal candidate for UHPC material to suppress the destructive energy induced by the external impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity remains one of the largest health problems in the world, arising from the excess storage of triglycerides (TAGs). However, the full complement of genes that are important for regulating TAG storage is not known. The Glut1 gene encodes a Drosophila glucose transporter that has been identified as a potential obesity gene through genetic screening. Yet, the tissue-specific metabolic functions of Glut1 are not fully understood. Here, we characterized the role of Glut1 in the fly brain by decreasing neuronal Glut1 levels with RNAi and measuring glycogen and TAGs. Glut1RNAi flies had decreased TAG and glycogen levels, suggesting a nonautonomous role of Glut1 in the fly brain to regulate nutrient storage. A group of hormones that regulate metabolism and are expressed in the fly brain are Drosophila insulin-like peptides (Ilps) 2, 3, and 5. Interestingly, we observed blunted Ilp3 and Ilp5 expression in neuronal Glut1RNAi flies, suggesting Glut1 functions in insulin-producing neurons (IPCs) to regulate whole-organism TAG and glycogen storage. Consistent with this hypothesis, we also saw fewer TAGs and glycogens and decreased expression of Ilp3 and Ilp5 in flies with IPC-specific Glut1RNAi. Together, these data suggest Glut1 functions as a nutrient sensor in IPCs, controlling TAG and glycogen storage and regulating systemic energy homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are common, and a third of them have underlying trapped lung (TL). Management of MPE and TL is suspected to be heterogeneous. Understanding current practices in Australasia is important in guiding policies and future research. Aims: Electronic survey of Australia‐New Zealand respiratory physicians, thoracic surgeons and their respective trainees to determine practice of MPE and TL management. Results: Of the 132 respondents, 56% were respiratory physicians, 23% were surgeons and 20% were trainees. Many respondents defined TL as >25% or any level of incomplete lung expansion; 75% would use large‐volume thoracentesis to determine whether TL was present. For patients with TL, indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) were the preferred treatment irrespective of prognosis. In those without TL, surgical pleurodesis was the most common choice if prognosis was >6 months, whereas IPC was the preferred option if survival was <3 months. Only 5% of respondents considered decortication having a definite role in TL, but 55% would consider it in select cases. Forty‐nine per cent of surgeons would not perform decortication when the lung does not fully expand intra‐operatively. Perceived advantages of IPCs were minimisation of hospital time, effusion re‐intervention and usefulness irrespective of TL status. Perceived disadvantages of IPCs were lack of suitable drainage care, potentially indefinite duration of catheter‐in‐situ and catheter complications. Conclusion: This survey highlights the lack of definition of TL and heterogeneity of MPE management in Australasia, especially for patients with expandable lungs. This survey also identified the main hurdles of IPC use that should be targeted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of insulin‐producing cells (IPCs) is an attractive approach for replacing damaged β cells in diabetic patients. In the present work, we introduced a hybrid platform of decellularized amniotic membrane (dAM) and fibrin encapsulation for differentiating adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ASCs) into IPCs. ASCs were isolated from healthy donors and characterized. Human AM was decellularized, and its morphology, DNA, collagen, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents, and biocompatibility were evaluated. ASCs were subjected to four IPC differentiation methods, and the most efficient method was selected for the experiment. ASCs were seeded onto dAM, alone or encapsulated in fibrin gel with various thrombin concentrations, and differentiated into IPCs according to a method applying serum‐free media containing 2‐mercaptoethanol, nicotinamide, and exendin‐4. PDX‐1, GLUT‐2 and insulin expression were evaluated in differentiated cells using real‐time PCR. Structural integrity and collagen and GAG contents of AM were preserved after decellularization, while DNA content was minimized. Cultivating ASCs on dAM augmented their attachment, proliferation, and viability and enhanced the expression of PDX‐1, GLUT‐2, and insulin in differentiated cells. Encapsulating ASCs in fibrin gel containing 2 mg/ml fibrinogen and 10 units/ml thrombin increased their differentiation into IPCs. dAM and fibrin gel synergistically enhanced the differentiation of ASCs into IPCs, which could be considered an appropriate strategy for replacing damaged β cells. Significance statement: Developing strategies for replacing lost or damaged β cells in diabetic patients is attractive in regenerative medicine. In the current work, we introduced a hybrid approach of using a biological scaffold (decellularized amniotic membrane) and encapsulating biomolecules (fibrin gel) to enhance the differentiation of adipose tissue stem cells into insulin‐producing cells under specific culture conditions. Both decellularized amniotic membrane and fibrin gel effectively increased β cell markers and insulin production in differentiated cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent literature advocates for delayed or avoidance of catheter drainage of infected peri-pancreatic collections (IPCs) in acute pancreatitis (AP). This may not be realistic for patients at academic centers, many of whom are critically ill. We retrospectively reviewed 72 patients admitted to our institution from 2016-2021 with AP and IPCs. 34.7% had a Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score ≥3, and 56.9% had a Balthazar score of E. 65.3% were admitted to the ICU, 51.4% experienced respiratory failure, and 47.2% had acute renal failure. In-hospital mortality was 9.7%. Catheter-based drainage alone was the most frequent intervention. Only 8 individuals did not undergo any drainage. Individuals with severe AP complicated by IPCs are critically ill. Avoidance or delay of source control could lead to significant morbidity. Until further research is done on this population, drainage should remain a central tenet of management of IPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sphingolipids are widespread, abundant, and essential lipids in plants and in other eukaryotes. Glycosyl inositol phosphorylceramides (GIPCs) are the most abundant class of plant sphingolipids, and are enriched in the plasma membrane of plant cells. They have been difficult to study due to lethal or pleiotropic mutant phenotypes.To overcome this, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9‐based method for generating multiple and varied knockdown and knockout populations of mutants in a given gene of interest in the model moss Physcomitrium patens. This system is uniquely convenient due to the predominantly haploid state of the Physcomitrium life cycle, and totipotency of Physcomitrium protoplasts used for transformation.We used this approach to target the INOSITOL PHOSPHORYLCERAMIDE SYNTHASE (IPCS) gene family, which catalyzes the first, committed step in the synthesis of GIPCs. We isolated knockout single mutants and knockdown higher‐order mutants showing a spectrum of deficiencies in GIPC content. Remarkably, we also identified two mutant alleles accumulating inositol phosphorylceramides, the direct products of IPCS activity, and provide our best explanation for this unexpected phenotype.Our approach is broadly applicable for studying essential genes and gene families, and for obtaining unusual lesions within a gene of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of neocortical projection neurons are generated indirectly from radial glial cells (RGCs) mediated by intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs) in mice. IPCs are thought to be a great breakthrough in the evolutionary expansion of the mammalian neocortex. However, the precise ratio of neuron production from IPCs and characteristics of RGC differentiation process are still unclear. Our study revealed that direct neurogenesis was seldom observed and increased slightly at late embryonic stage. Besides, we conducted retrovirus sparse labelling combined carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimide ester (CFSE) and Tbr2‐CreER strain to reconstruct individual lineage tree in situ. The lineage trees simulated the output of RGCs at per round of division in sequence with high temporal, spatial and cellular resolution at P7. We then demonstrated that only 1.90% of neurons emanated from RGCs directly in mouse cerebral neocortex and 79.33% of RGCs contributed to the whole clones through IPCs. The contribution of indirect neurogenesis was underestimated previously because approximately a quarter of IPC‐derived neurons underwent apoptosis. Here, we also showed that abundant IPCs from first‐generation underwent self‐renewing division and generated four neurons ultimately. We confirmed that the intermediate proliferative progenitors expressed higher Cux2 characteristically at early embryonic stage. Finally, we validated that the characteristics of neurogenetic process in lineages and developmental fate of neurons were conserved in Reeler mice. This study contributes to further understanding of neurogenesis in neocortical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing (HLB), which is associated with the phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is a devastating disease that affects citrus trees worldwide. Because of the pervasiveness of the bacteria and psyllid vector, the disease is considered endemic in Florida. Although the effects of CLas on tree growth and physiology have been investigated for decades, most studies compared infected and noninfected trees under greenhouse conditions. This study used newly planted field-grown ‘Valencia’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) trees on two different rootstocks to monitor the distribution and accumulation of CLas in aboveground and belowground tissues following natural psyllid colonization and assess tree physiological responses and biomass reductions under HLB-endemic conditions. Trees were transplanted into the field with individual protective covers (IPCs), which are used to exclude psyllids and prevent infection. Openings were cut in the IPCs of half of the trees; to promote infection, these IPCs were temporarily removed during the main vegetative flushing period when psyllid populations were high. All trees that were exposed to psyllids became infected and displayed the symptoms typically associated with HLB. Throughout the study, higher levels of CLas were detected in the leaves compared with those in the fibrous roots. Trees that were not exposed to psyllids remained noninfected and healthy. After 18 months, a subset of trees was excavated to assess biomass differences between infected and noninfected trees. Infected trees had root system reductions of 37% and shoot system reductions of 20%, thereby significantly reducing the belowground-to-aboveground biomass ratio. Fibrous root loss was 49% and more severe than the loss of the rest of the root tissue. This study is the first to demonstrate the full extent of damage caused by CLas infection under natural HLB-endemic conditions. The results confirm previous observations that suggested fibrous root loss as one of the major consequences of infection and colonization with CLas. They also reinforce the benefits of using IPCs to prevent infection of young citrus trees during the first years of growth in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Context.--Case studies reporting intraplacental choriocarcinoma (IPC) and intraplacental "chorangiocarcinoma" have recently increased, with IPC also represented in molecular analyses of gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. Objective.--To provide an overview of 2 intraplacental neoplastic lesions that can have a significant impact on both mother and fetus/infant, focusing on diagnostic characteristics, and ancillary and molecular tools that support diagnosis, determine prognosis, and further elucidate the nature of these lesions. Data Sources.--Data were compiled from a PubMed literature review that included diagnostic and additional keywords within the scope of study for gestational choriocarcinoma in general. Illustrative cases were retrieved from the pathology archives at Michigan Medicine, including the consultation files of the author. Conclusions.--Intraplacental gestational tumors exist along the spectrum of benign (chorangioma) to aggressive malignant (choriocarcinoma) neoplasms with a high potential for metastasis. Although most gestational choriocarcinomas follow complete hydatidiform mole, 20% to 25% occur in association with normal intrauterine gestations, including rare cases in which they are detected within the placenta (IPC). IPCs range from asymptomatic to widely metastatic, with metastases possible even when only microscopic IPCs are present. A second, even less common lesion, variably called "chorangiocarcinoma" and chorangioma with atypical trophoblast proliferation, is also reviewed. The incidence of these lesions is likely to be underestimated. Heightened suspicion and more liberal placental sampling, particularly when specific clinical features are present, may result in higher detection. Enhanced detection to provide the earliest intervention for both mother and infant may improve prognosis, particularly for asymptomatic disease that may later present with metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene-propylene block copolymer (EbP) is a vital component in impact polypropylene copolymer (IPC), yet its distribution in the multiphase composite material and how it influences the phase structure and the mechanical properties are not well understood. In this work, four IPCs were investigated by atomic force microscopy-infrared (AFM-IR) to assess the phase compositions in situ, based on which in conjunction with the chain microstructure information obtained ex situ the distributions of the copolymer components were derived for each alloy. For the IPCs whose EbP comprises long P and long E segments, the EbP fraction was found to phase separate from the rubber and the PP matrix to form the cores of the disperse particles with the E-P segmented copolymer (EsP). In contrast, in the IPC with EbP composed of long P and short E segments, the EbP fraction formed an outer shell for the rubber particles with the cores comprising the EsP alone, and this IPC, containing a lower E comonomer content than its counterpart, exhibited both better impact resistance and higher flexural modulus. These results clarify how the chain structure of EbP governs the phase morphology in IPC, which in turn impacts the properties of the composite material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous high strength and high toughness are highly sought‐after in lattice metamaterials, but these properties are typically mutually exclusive. To overcome this challenge, the development of interpenetrating phase composite (IPC), which incorporates a net matrix infill into the lattice, has shown great potential in overcoming these constraints and is thus of continuous practical interest. In this work, a novel aperiodic monotile truss lattice and polymer IPC that exhibit unprecedented enhancement in both strength and toughness are reported. Specifically, the aperiodic unit cell is inspired by Einstein's monotile, a single space‐filling shape where the cell orientation never repeats. The IPCs are achieved through 3D‐printed Ti‐6Al‐4V truss lattices and epoxy infiltration. The highest gain in compressive strength reveals an impressive 246.61% increase, significantly exceeding the "1 + 1 > 2" idealization typically associated with strength in IPC metamaterials. Furthermore, a high specific energy absorption of 46.2 J g−1 demonstrates superior toughness. The underlying mechanisms, including damage sequences, two‐phase interactions, and geometric effects between truss and epoxy, are fully elucidated. Overall, this work reports unprecedented enhancement in IPC's properties and demonstrates the potential of utilizing idealized structures to achieve an optimal combination of strength and toughness in mechanical metamaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broad field of technologies is related to the countries' green hydrogen goals, with renewable energy technology (RE) being a significant part. RE's ability to support green hydrogen industry is now being hindered by the waste issue. By 2050, the world will have accumulated up to 60–70 million tons of waste photovoltaic (PV) modules, 43.4 million tons of wind turbine blades and up to 1 million tons of lithium batteries. Existing technologies and recycling capacities are not capable of recycling these volumes, since the readiness levels of most of the applicable technologies is assessed as TRL3 - TRL8 and their economic efficiency is below the profitability level. The purpose of this work is to substantiate the need and calculate the amount of state support for the development of RE waste recycling technologies. It has been determined that the sum of economic losses in the absence of recycling by 2050 will amount to up to 215 billion dollars, including in the RE leading regions: in China 81 billion dollars, in the EU 42 billion dollars, in the USA 26 billion dollars. The regional distribution of waste volume is presented, grouped by energy price level: 30% of waste in countries with the highest energy tariffs, mainly in Europe, 20% in regions with an average price, including all of North America, 50% in regions with the lowest price - most Asian countries. The dynamics of the increase in the number of patents for the selected IPCs for the period 2000–2024 was obtained, and the leading countries were identified. It is shown that the effect of state support for recycling will be obtained in three industries: firstly, a cost-effective industry for recycling renewable energy waste will be formed, secondly, the availability of scarce materials for renewable energy producers will increase, and thirdly, unconstrained RE deployment will back the green hydrogen development. The timeframe of the countries' hydrogen goals and the RE waste accumulation trends jointly indicate the urgency of the waste issue, when the analysis proves the reasonable request for the state involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: T1D is a severe metabolic disorder due to selective autoimmune pancreatic islet β-cell killing, which results in complete abrogation of endogenous insulin secretion. The affected patients, once the disease is clinically overt, must immediately undertake insulin supplementation according to intensive therapy regimens to prevent the onset of acute and chronic complications, some of them potentially lethal. Replacement of the destroyed β-cells with fresh and vital pancreatic endocrine tissue, either of the whole organ or isolated islets transplantation, started a few decades ago with progressively encouraging results, although exogenous insulin withdrawal was obtained in a minor cohort of the treated patients. The restricted availability of donor organs coupled with general immunosuppression treatment of recipients to avoid graft immune rejection may, at least partially, explain the limited success achieved by these procedures. Results: The introduction of pluripotent stem cells (either of human embryonic origin or adult cells genetically induced to pluripotency) that can be differentiated toward insulin secretory β-like cells could provide an indefinite resource for insulin-producing cells (IPCs). Conclusions: Because the use of human embryos may encounter ethical problems, employment of adult multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) extracted from several tissues may represent an alternative option. MSCs are associated with strong immunoregulatory properties that can alter early stages of β-cell-directed autoimmunity in T1D, other than holding the potential to differentiate themselves into β-like cells. Lights and shadows of these new strategies for the potential cure of T1D and their advancement state are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further enhance the accuracy of the Chinese patent classification, this paper proposes a model, based on the patent structure and takes the patent claim as subjects, with multi-instance multi-label learning as the main method. Firstly, the patent claims are divided into multiple independent texts using the sequence number as the splitting token. For each patent, multiple claims are regarded as multiple instances, and the corresponding IPCs serve as its multiple labels. Next, the concept of secondary_label is introduced following the composition rules of IPC, and the relationships between instances and multiple secondary_labels are mined through the construction of fully-connected layers. To capture more comprehensive semantic information of instances, BIGRU and self-attention are employed to enhance semantics and reduce information loss during the training process. Finally, the max-pooling operations are utilised to obtain the predicted categories of patents based on capturing the relationships between instances and different hierarchical labels. Experimental results on the '2017 Chinese patent dataset' demonstrate that the multi-instance multi-label approach can effectively mine deeper relationships between patents and labels in classification tasks. As a result, our model significantly improves the accuracy of patent text classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some studies have evaluated the manipulation of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway to generate more efficient insulin-producing cells (IPCs). In a systematic review, we evaluated in vitro and in vivo studies on the effect of inhibition or activation of the Shh pathway on the production, differentiation, maintenance, and endocrine activity of IPCs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using all available experimental studies published between January 2000 and November 2022. The review aimed at determining the effect of Shh manipulation on the differentiation of stem cells (SCs) into IPCs. Keywords and phrases using medical subject headings were extracted, and a complete search was performed in Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. The inclusion criteria were manipulation of Shh in SCs, SCs differentiation into IPCs, and endocrine activity of mature IPCs. Articles with incomplete data and duplications were excluded. Results: A total of 208 articles were initially identified, out of which 11 articles were included in the study. The effect of Shh inhibition in the definitive endoderm stage to produce functional IPCs were confirmed. Some studies showed the importance of Shh re-activation at late-stage differentiation for the generation of efficient IPCs. It is proposed that baseline concentrations of Shh in mature pancreatic β-cells affect insulin secretion and endocrine activities of the cells. However, Shh overexpression in pancreatic β-cells ultimately leads to improper endocrine function and inadequate glucose-sensing insulin secretion. Conclusion: Accurate manipulation of the Shh signaling pathway can be an effective approach in the production and maintenance of functional IPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of insulin-producing cells from human-induced pluripotent stem cells holds great potential for diabetes modeling and treatment. However, existing protocols typically involve incubating cells with un-physiologically high concentrations of glucose, which often fail to generate fully functional IPCs. Here, we investigated the influence of high (20 mM) versus low (5.5 mM) glucose concentrations on IPCs differentiation in three hiPSC lines. In two hiPSC lines that were unable to differentiate to IPCs sufficiently, we found that high glucose during differentiation leads to a shortage of NKX6.1+ cells that have co-expression with PDX1 due to insufficient NKX6.1 gene activation, thus further reducing differentiation efficiency. Furthermore, high glucose during differentiation weakened mitochondrial respiration ability. In the third iPSC line, which is IPC differentiation amenable, glucose concentrations did not affect the PDX1/NKX6.1 expression and differentiation efficiency. In addition, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was only seen in the differentiation under a high glucose condition. These IPCs have higher KATP channel activity and were linked to sufficient ABCC8 gene expression under a high glucose condition. These data suggest high glucose concentration during IPC differentiation is necessary to generate functional IPCs. However, in cell lines that were IPC differentiation unamenable, high glucose could worsen the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In recent years, cell therapy has emerged as a new research direction in the treatment of diabetes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation necessary to form such treatment have not been clarified. Methods: In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) isolated from newborns were progressively induced into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) using small molecules. HUC-MSC (S0) and four induced stage (S1–S4) samples were prepared. We then performed transcriptome sequencing experiments to obtain the dynamic expression profiles of both mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Results: We found that the number of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs trended downwards during differentiation. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with translation, cell adhesion, and cell connection. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the NF-KB signalling pathway, MAPK signalling pathway, HIPPO signalling pathway, PI3K–Akt signalling pathway, and p53 signalling pathway were enriched in these differentially expressed lncRNA-targeting genes. We also found that the coexpression of the lncRNA CTBP1-AS2 with PROX1 and the lncRNAs AC009014.3 and GS1-72M22.1 with JARID2 mRNA was related to the development of pancreatic beta cells. Moreover, the coexpression of the lncRNAs: XLOC_ 050969, LINC00883, XLOC_050981, XLOC_050925, MAP3K14- AS1, RP11-148K1.12, and CTD2020K17.3 with p53, regulated insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells. Conclusion: In this study, HUC-MSCs combined with small molecule compounds were successfully induced into IPCs. Differentially expressed lncRNAs may regulate the insulin secretion of pancreatic beta cells by regulating multiple signalling pathways. The lncRNAs AC009014.3, Gs1-72m21.1, and CTBP1-AS2 may be involved in the development of pancreatic beta cells, and the lncRNAs: XLOC_050969, LINC00883, XLOC_050981, XLOC_050925, MAP3K14-AS1, RP11-148K1.12, and CTD2020K17.3 may be involved in regulating the insulin secretion of pancreatic beta cells, thus providing a lncRNA catalogue for future research regarding the mechanism of the transdifferentiation of HUC-MSCs into IPCs. It also provides a new theoretical basis for the transplantation of insulin-producing cells into diabetic patients in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological innovation is important to further reduce the cost of hydrogen fuel cells (HFC) and enhance commercial availability. Technology patents hydrogen fuel cell play an important role in understanding the trend of technological innovation and future policymaking. By extracting patent data of hydrogen fuel cells from IncoPat database between 2003 and 2022, the knowledge map of hydrogen fuel cell technology was drawn in this paper based on the statistical analysis method and IPC co-category analysis method. The results shows that: (1) From the technology life cycle trajectory, 2003–2013 is the initial stage of hydrogen fuel cell technology, and 2014–2022 is the rapid development period of hydrogen fuel cells. (2) Through mapping the knowledge map of hotspots in the hydrogen fuel cell technology field using IPC co-category analysis, knowledge map shows 849 nodes and 6116 connected lines, and the network density is 0.017. (3) From the hydrogen fuel cell technology clustering map, a total of nine hot topics were formed in 2003–2022, namely H01M8/04089, C08J5/22, H01M4/88, H01M8/0228, H01M8/10, C25B1/04, G01N27/12, F04D29/58, F17C13/02. (4) 59 significant IPCs were placed in the hydrogen fuel cell technology domain from 2003 to 2022. Moreover, the hydrogen fuel cell technology evolution can be divided into three phases, 2003–2008, 2008–2018, and 2018–2022, respectively. • Hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) patent show rapid development since 2017, with exponential growth. • H01 M is the prominent technical classification, particularly in battery pack technology. • Burst analysis identifies 59 significant IPCs, representing the forefront of HFC technology. • IPC analysis identifies research hotspots, such as gaseous reactants and manufacturing methods. • Knowledge evolution is divided into three phases: 2003–2008, 2008–2018, and 2018–2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) with porous metal materials as the matrix and polymer materials as the reinforcement, which have a broad application prospect, have both the high strength of metal materials and the high energy absorption capacity of polymer materials. Entangled metallic wire materials are a new type of porous material with damping characteristics, which is an excellent choice for use as the matrix of IPCs. In the present work, a novel entangled metallic wire material–silicone rubber IPC is developed through the vacuum infiltration method with the entangled wire material as the matrix and silicone rubber as the reinforcing element. The mechanical properties (loss factor and tangent modulus) of the as-synthesized composites are characterized through compression tests. More specifically, the effects of key experimental parameters (strain) and material properties (matrix density, wire diameter, and anisotropy) on the mechanical properties of the composites are analyzed in detail. It is found that with the introduction of interfacial friction, the loss factor of the composites becomes higher than those of the pure entangled metallic wire material and silicone rubber; in particular, the tangent modulus is significantly enhanced. The complex structural characteristics of the proposed composite enable the loss factor and tangent modulus to exhibit a nonlinear relationship with the density over a range of displacement values. Moreover, the smaller the wire diameter is, the greater the loss factor of the composites is, while the tangent modulus exhibits the opposite trend. The unique wire contact form and preparation process endow the composites with nonlinear properties in the molding direction as well as pronounced anisotropy characteristics. A novel interpenetrating phase composite is proposed. The composite quasistatic curve is nonlinear with excellent mechanical properties. The improved energy consumption properties are due to the interfacial friction. The increase in wire density greatly improves the elastic modulus of the composite. The composite is anisotropic with a better bearing capacity in the molding direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation to reproduce is a potent natural drive, and the social behaviors that induce it can severely impact animal health and lifespan. Indeed, in Drosophila males, accelerated aging associated with reproduction arises not from the physical act of courtship or copulation but instead from the motivational drive to court and mate. To better understand the mechanisms underlying social effects on aging, we studied male choosiness for mates. We found that increased activity of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) of the fly brain potentiated choosiness without consistently affecting courtship activity. Surprisingly, this effect was not caused by insulins themselves, but instead by drosulfakinin (DSK), another neuropeptide produced in a subset of the IPCs, acting through one of the two DSK receptors, CCKLR-17D1. Activation of Dsk+ IPC neurons also decreased food consumption, while activation of Dsk+ neurons outside of IPCs affected neither choosiness nor feeding, suggesting an overlap between Dsk+neurons modulating choosiness and those influencing satiety. Broader activation of Dsk+ neurons (both within and outside of the IPCs) was required to rescue the detrimental effect of female pheromone exposure on male lifespan, as was the function of both DSK receptors. The same broad set of Dsk+ neurons was found to reinforce normally aversive feeding interactions, but only after exposure to female pheromones, suggesting that perception of the opposite sex gates rewarding properties of these neurons. We speculate that broad Dsk+ neuron activation is associated with states of satiety and social experience, which under stressful conditions is rewarding and beneficial for lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing (HLB), an important citrus disease, causes many physiological and anatomical changes such as phloem dysfunction, imbalance in carbohydrate partitioning, decrease in leaf chlorophyll, and nutritional imbalances in the affected trees, ultimately resulting in tree decline. In Florida, HLB is associated with phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), and it is vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). No cure forHLB has been found, andmost of theHLBmanagement efforts have been focused on vector control or exclusion, improved nutrient management, and the use of HLB-tolerant rootstocks. Individual protective covers (IPCs) are a type of psyllid exclusion tool that is increasingly used by growers for HLB management of newly planted citrus trees. However, no studies have evaluated their influence on citrus tree physiology. This study investigated the effect of IPCs and different rates of insecticides on CLas infection and different physiological attributes, including soluble (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) and nonsoluble (starch) carbohydrates, leaf chlorophyll, and leafmacronutrients andmicronutrients over 2.5 years of field growth. The treatments (tree cover and insecticides rate) were applied in newly planted 'Valencia' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) trees grafted on 'Cleopatra' (C. reticulata) rootstock. The IPCs prevented CLas transmission and accumulation of foliar starch, sucrose, and glucose commonly associated with HLB. IPC-covered trees had more leaf chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b than noncovered trees and more leaf nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn). Our findings suggest that IPCs effectively prevent CLas infection and maintain the physiological health of young citrus trees under heavy HLB pressure. Therefore, IPCs are recommended as an important component of integrated pest management for this devastating disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Additive main and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis had been exploited for multi environment trials for most of the crops. Usage of the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), along with AMMI tools, of the genotypes would improve the estimation of interaction effects. Methods: AMMI based measures of adaptability have been enriched with the incorporation of BLUP of genotypes by new Superiority index that allowed variable weights for stability and yield of genotypes. Result: Stability measure weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) based on all significant interaction principal components ranked suitability of KB1754, RD3000, NDB1445 genotypes. Superiority index while weighting 0.65 and 0.35 for mean yield and stability arranged DWRB201, NDB1445, RD2552 as of stable high yield performance of barley genotypes. Corrected measure Modified AMMI Stability Value (MASV1) found RD2552, DWRB201, KB1762 and Modified AMMI Stability Value (MASV) ranked DWRB201, RD2552, KB1762. ASTAB measure achieved the desirable lower values for DWRB201 DWRB207, HUB268 genotypes. Biplot graphical analysis based on 60.7% of variation of the stability measures observed MASV1, ASTAB (AMMI based stability parameter), EV(Averages of the squared eigenvector values), SIPC (Sums of the absolute value of the IPC scores), Za (Absolute value of the relative contribution of IPCs to the interaction), W3, WAASB and MASV had been clubbed together. For the second year lower value of WAASB measure had observed for RD3016, KB1815 HUB273. Ranking of genotypes as per Superiority index found RD3017, RD2907, HUB274 as of stable high yield performance. Genotypes RD3017, RD2907 and NDB1173 pointed out by MASV1 while RD3017, RD2907, NDB1173 identified by MASV as the genotypes of choice. RD3017 NDB1173, RD2907 genotypes were selected as per values of ASTAB measure. Total of 71.8% of variation of the considered measures in biplot analysis expressed larger cluster comprised of AMMI based measures and a separate cluster of Superiority indexes as per mean, Geometric Adaptability Index (GAI) and HMGV also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the sensitivity and time‐course of recovery of neuromuscular and perceptual player monitoring measures to U‐18 English Premier League academy football match play. Eighteen players performed maximal posterior chain, hip adductor and abductor isometric strength tests, countermovement jumps (CMJ) and provided self‐report wellbeing scores around eight competitive league home games: 1 day before (MD‐1), pre‐match (MD‐PRE), post‐match (MD‐POST) and two (MD+2) and three (MD+3) days post‐match. A permutational multivariate analysis of variance and post hoc univariate analyses of variance were used to examine match‐induced responses to monitoring variables. Between MD‐1 and MD‐POST, we observed small to moderate reductions to the adductor and abductor peak force and maximal impulse and IPCS peak force; small reductions to CMJ jump height (JH) (flight time), eccentric peak force and eccentric deceleration rate of force development and moderate to large reductions to perceived fatigue, muscle soreness and mood. No match‐induced changes were observed for CMJ flight time: contraction time or eccentric duration. Posterior chain, abductor, CMJ and self‐report measures normalised by MD+3 but adductor peak force remained compromised at MD+3 (ES = small). Posterior chain, adductor and abductor peak isometric force and maximal impulse; CMJ JH, eccentric peak force and eccentric deceleration rate of force development and perceived fatigue, muscle soreness and mood are sensitive to match‐induced fatigue. Since adductor peak force remained compromised at MD+3, it is apparent that players might not achieve complete neuromuscular recovery within 3 days of match play, and that the adductor muscle group might be particularly vulnerable to match‐induced fatigue. Highlights: U‐18 English Premier League (EPL) academy football match play induced acute reductions to countermovement jump (jump height [flight time], eccentric peak force and eccentric deceleration rate of force development); isometric strength (abductor, adductor and posterior chain peak force and abductor and adductor maximal impulse) and athlete self‐report (perceived fatigue, muscle soreness and mood) measures.Match‐induced changes to countermovement jump, abductor, posterior chain and self‐report measures typically normalised between MD+2 and MD+3 but adductor peak force remained compromised at MD+3.No meaningful match‐induced changes were observed to widely used countermovement jump movement strategy measures (i.e., flight time: contraction time ratio or eccentric duration).U‐18 EPL academy football players might not achieve complete neuromuscular recovery by MD+3. The adductor muscle group might be particularly susceptible to match‐induced fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of education on nurses’ compliance with standardization and isolation precautions. Methods: The study employs a pre-test post-test design. The study was conducted between September 2022 and September 2023 with 100 nurses in the intensive care and isolation units of a public hospital where patients with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted. Data were collected utilising the Standard Precautions Compliance Scale and the Isolation Precautions Compliance Scale. The compliance of nurses with standard and isolation methods was examined in both time periods. Results: The mean total score of the Compliance to Isolation Measures Scale was higher after the education (T1=55.39±7.39, T2=77.50±9.68; t=8.372, p<0.001). The mean total score of the Compliance to Standard Precautions Scale was higher after the education (T1=10.38±2.46, T2=14.43±4.29; t=6.298, p<0.001) Conclusion: Education on the importance of using personal protective equipment, isolation, and compliance with standard precautions led to an increase in the variety and usage rates of nurses’ protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin-positive (+) cells (IPCs), detected in multiple organs, are of great interest as a probable alternative to ameliorate pancreatic beta-cells dysfunction and insulin deficiency in diabetes. Liver is a potential source of IPCs due to it common embryological origin with pancreas. We previously demonstrated the presence of IPCs in the liver of healthy and diabetic rats, but detailed description and analysis of the factors, which potentially can induced ectopic hepatic expression of insulin in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), were not performed. In present study we evaluate mass of hepatic IPCs in the rat models of T1D and T2D and discuss factors, which may stimulate it generation: glycaemia, organ injury, involving of hepatic stem/progenitor cell compartment, expression of transcription factors and inflammation. Quantity of IPCs in the liver was up by 1.7-fold in rats with T1D and 10-fold in T2D compared to non-diabetic (ND) rats. We concluded that ectopic hepatic expression of insulin gene is activated by combined action of a number of factors, with inflammation playing a decision role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders, yet the precise mechanisms underlying this connection remain unclear. Defects in glial phagocytic function are a key feature of neurodegenerative disorders, as delayed clearance of neuronal debris can result in inflammation, neuronal death, and poor nervous system recovery. Mounting evidence indicates that glial function can affect feeding behavior, weight, and systemic metabolism, suggesting that diet may play a role in regulating glial function. While it is appreciated that glial cells are insulin sensitive, whether obesogenic diets can induce glial insulin resistance and thereby impair glial phagocytic function remains unknown. Here, using a Drosophila model, we show that a chronic obesogenic diet induces glial insulin resistance and impairs the clearance of neuronal debris. Specifically, obesogenic diet exposure down-regulates the basal and injury-induced expression of the glia-associated phagocytic receptor, Draper. Constitutive activation of systemic insulin release from Drosophila insulin-producing cells (IPCs) mimics the effect of diet-induced obesity on glial Draper expression. In contrast, genetically attenuating systemic insulin release from the IPCs rescues diet-induced glial insulin resistance and Draper expression. Significantly, we show that genetically stimulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Pi3k), a downstream effector of insulin receptor (IR) signaling, rescues high-sugar diet (HSD)-induced glial defects. Hence, we establish that obesogenic diets impair glial phagocytic function and delays the clearance of neuronal debris. This study shows that an obesogenic diet causes microglial insulin resistance in the Drosophila adult brain, directly disrupting the ability of glia to maintain a healthy neuronal microenvironment. This provides a mechanistic insight into the causative link between obesity-induced insulin resistance and neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is caused by the autoimmune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) and still has no effective cure. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into IPCs may help us improve the therapeutic strategies for treating T1DM. 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatases (Pfkfb1-4) are key regulators of glucose metabolism. Although Pfkfb3 has been shown to be required for the growth of early differentiated mouse ESCs (mESCs), more studies are needed to further assess the roles of Pfkfb isoenzymes in embryonic development and differentiation, particularly into specific cell types. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the changes in the expression of Pfkfb isoenzymes on the differentiation of mESCs into IPCs. Materials and methods: A 3-step protocol was used to differentiate R1 and J1 mESCs into IPCs. The changes in the gene expression of MafA, MafB, Ins2, and Nkx6.1 (IPC specific markers) and Pfkfb1-4 were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Insulin expression and secretion were determined by immunofluorescence (IF) staining and the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results: Upon differentiation, the IPC specific markers in differentiated cells were upregulated. Continued differentiation was confirmed by the development of insulin-positive islet-like clusters that secreted insulin in response to glucose uptake. Expressions of the Pfkfb2 and Pfkfb3 isoenzymes were markedly increased in various stages of differentiation. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Pfkfb2 and Pfkfb3 may impact the differentiation of mESCs into IPCs and the regulation of the insulin response to glucose levels. This study also lays a foundation for researchers to further probe the roles of Pfkfb isoenzymes on the differentiation of mESCs into IPCs and may open new avenues for regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the infiltration and solidification processes of liquid 5083Al alloy into Al2O3 three-dimensional reticulated porous ceramic (Al2O3(3D) RPC) is essential for optimizing the microstructure and properties of Al2O3(3D)/5083Al interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) prepared by low-pressure infiltration process (LPIP). This study employs ProCAST software to simulate the infiltration and solidification processes of liquid 5083Al with pouring velocities (PV) of 0.4 m/s infiltrating into Al2O3(3D) RPC preforms with varying porosities at different pouring temperatures (PT) to prepare Al2O3(3D)/5083Al IPCs using LPIP. The results demonstrate that pore diameter of Al2O3(3D) RPC preforms and PT of liquid 5083Al significantly influence the of the infiltration. Solidification process analysis reveals that the Al2O3(3D) RPC preform with smaller pore diameters allows the lower pouring velocity of 5083Al to solidify faster compared to the preform with larger pore diameters. Al2O3(3D)/5083Al IPCs were prepared successfully from Al2O3(3D) RPC porosity of 15 PPI with liquid 5083Al at PV 0.4 m/s and PT 800 °C using LPIP, resulting in nearly fully dense composites, where both Al2O3(3D) RPCs and 5083Al interpenetrate throughout the microstructure. The infiltration and solidification defects were reduced under air pressure of 0.3 MPa (corresponding to PV of 0.4 m/s) during LPIP. Finite volume method simulations are in good agreement with experimental data, validating the suitability of the simplified model for Al2O3(3D) RPCs in the infiltration simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The safety and efficacy of indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) in lung allograft recipients is under‐reported. Methods: We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis between 1/1/2010 and 6/1/2022 of consecutive IPCs placed in lung transplant recipients. Outcomes included incidence of infectious and non‐infectious complications and rate of auto‐pleurodesis. Results: Seventy‐one IPCs placed in 61 lung transplant patients at eight centers were included. The most common indication for IPC placement was recurrent post‐operative effusion. IPCs were placed at a median of 59 days (IQR 40–203) post‐transplant and remained for 43 days (IQR 25‐88). There was a total of eight (11%) complications. Infection occurred in five patients (7%); four had empyema and one had a catheter tract infection. IPCs did not cause death or critical illness in our cohort. Auto‐pleurodesis leading to the removal of the IPC occurred in 63 (89%) instances. None of the patients in this cohort required subsequent surgical decortication. Conclusions: The use of IPCs in lung transplant patients was associated with an infectious complication rate comparable to other populations previously studied. A high rate of auto‐pleurodesis was observed. This work suggests that IPCs may be considered for the management of recurrent pleural effusions in lung allograft recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent century, geopolymer materials have grown significantly due to their unique properties applicable in many different fields. In the present work, the heat evolution, thermal and mechanical behavior of inorganic geopolymer composites (IPCs), based on solid solution of feldspathic minerals (pegmatite and granite) or sand quartz that were altered by a low fraction (15–20 mass%) of calcined clay (metakaolin or calcined halloysite). The isothermal calorimeter tests revealed that the heat flow evolution (dQ/dt) of mix design of different compositions was low compared to standard geopolymer materials due to low reactivity in alkaline medium of solid solution used. It was also found that the integrated heat flow during the geopolymerization decreases with the crystallinity of solid solution. The thermogravimetric analysis of all the samples revealed two main changes, before 120 °C and between 700 and 890 °C. The changes are attributed to the loss of water molecules and crystallization of albite and nepheline, respectively with an overall loss of mass which varies from 14.0 to 21.6%. The heating microscope up to 1200 °C shows a shrinkage of 50% for D3C4 and R2C1 samples. The study of mechanical and physical behaviors of geopolymer composites with different compositions showed that samples based on pegmatite and MK developed higher strengths (42.11 MPa and 106.75 MPa for flexural and compression) associated with lower water absorption (7.01%). The high strengths obtained were due to the combination of denser and homogeneous microstructure of IPCs. These materials are potential candidates for eco-friendly construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphingolipids (SLs) are essential components of all eukaryotic cellular membranes. In fungi, plants and many protozoa, the primary SL is inositol-phosphorylceramide (IPC). Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease (CD), a chronic illness for which no vaccines or effective treatments are available. IPC synthase (IPCS) has been considered an ideal target enzyme for drug development because phosphoinositol-containing SL is absent in mammalian cells and the enzyme activity has been described in all parasite forms of T. cruzi. Furthermore, IPCS is an integral membrane protein conserved amongst other kinetoplastids, including Leishmania major, for which specific inhibitors have been identified. Using a CRISPR-Cas9 protocol, we generated T. cruzi knockout (KO) mutants in which both alleles of the IPCS gene were disrupted. We demonstrated that the lack of IPCS activity does not affect epimastigote proliferation or its susceptibility to compounds that have been identified as inhibitors of the L. major IPCS. However, disruption of the T. cruzi IPCS gene negatively affected epimastigote differentiation into metacyclic trypomastigotes as well as proliferation of intracellular amastigotes and differentiation of amastigotes into tissue culture-derived trypomastigotes. In accordance with previous studies suggesting that IPC is a membrane component essential for parasite survival in the mammalian host, we showed that T. cruzi IPCS null mutants are unable to establish an infection in vivo, even in immune deficient mice. Author summary: Trypanosoma cruzi is a vector-borne parasite that causes Chagas disease (CD), an illness that affects 6–8 million people worldwide and results in approximately 50,000 deaths per year. Transmitted by more than 100 species of triatomine insects, T. cruzi has a complex life cycle that includes parasite forms that proliferate in the gut of the insect vector (epimastigotes) and in the cytoplasm of infected mammalian cells (amastigotes). To be transmitted to mammals, epimastigotes must differentiate into metacyclic trypomastigotes, and to infect new mammalian cells, amastigotes must differentiate into bloodstream trypomastigotes. Sphingolipids (SLs) are essential components of all eukaryotic cellular membranes and are present in all forms of T. cruzi as part of various cell surface molecules involved in host-parasite interactions. Different from mammals, in which sphingomyelin is the main SL, T. cruzi synthesizes inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) and, because of that, enzymes of the SL biosynthetic pathway have been considered potential targets for the development of new treatments for CD. By disrupting the gene encoding the T. cruzi IPC synthase, we showed that parasite differentiation from epimastigotes into metacyclic trypomastigotes and from amastigotes to bloodstream forms are affected and, as a consequence, these knockout cell lines are unable to establish an infection in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]